Travel for Less

It’s unclear why but people in Bristol started attaching padlocks to a pedestrian bridge over Bristol Harbour, then tossing the keys in the water below to symbolise the bonds of love.

So far so lovely but this spontaneous movement has sparked controversy.

The bridge was named in honour of Pero Jones, an enslaved African purchased in 1765 at age 12 by sugar merchant John Pinney. Pero worked and died in Bristol at The Georgian House.

Today, Pero’s Bridge is groaning with padlocks. Bristol City Council removes them but numbers grow back. Supporters say the love locks are ‘heartfelt mementos’. Detractors say they’re damaging the bridge and are disrespectful to Pero. For others, the padlocks are an unintentionally fitting reminder of Pero’s life in Bristol. Pero’s Bridge links the vibrant Queen and Millennium squares.

Holiday Goddess Postcard – Tamara Pitelen. Would you like to contribute to Holiday Goddess Postcards? Follow Holiday Goddess on Twitter to find out more, over the coming weeks. We’re hiring!